Deke Bellavia

Bobby & Deke: What the Saints need in free agency!

by Deke Bellavia,posted Mar 11 2013 5:16PM

The free agency season is about to begin, and the Saints will look to add some help to their roster. The Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert gives his take on what he thinks the Saints need to add this off season.

1. Pass rusher – We are chomping at the bit for a player that can get after the quarterback. I don’t care if it’s a defensive end or an outside linebacker. We need someone that can put some pressure on the other team’s QB!

2. Nose tackle – In a 3-4 scheme we need a good nose tackle. We need a guy that can make a pile and not get knocked back into the linebackers…A big guy that can be a difference maker in the middle!

3. Tight end – We need someone who is versatile. Someone who can run-block and stretch the field. Getting a good player at this position will only help the Saints offense put more pressure on the other team’s defense.

4. Defensive back – We need a play maker. A guy like Darren Sharper is needed in our defensive secondary. Sharper caught the ball when it hit his hands and he was a ball hawking defender. Our defense needs a play maker on the back end.

5. Left tackle – Assuming that we don’t sign Jermon Bushrod back, we would without question need a left tackle. Bushrod has developed into a good starting left tackle in the NFL, and is a top-ten guy at his position. If we lose him we can’t stay in house…we would need to go get another left tackle.

Bushrod is NOT a top 10 Offensive Tackle. IF HE WAS, we couldn't afford him anyway! He is adequate and would be nice to keep at the right price($5mil or less per year). Don't see that happening though.

03/12/2013 9:27AM

I Doubt the Saints Will Keep Bushrod...

If the past is any indication, the Saints will let Bushrod walk, just as they have Carl Nicks, Jonathan Goodwin, etc. We can get a young left tackle in the draft this year, but it's really the needs at defense that worry me. We have older veterans such as Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma, and Roman Harper who need to take a pay cut to stay with the team. While they provide experience, we can save money by cutting them and stocking up through free agency and the draft. I have faith in Mickey Loomis, but it may take a few seasons to get our 3-4 defense the way Sean Payton wants it.

03/14/2013 4:31PM

cut them all

After having the worst defensive team in the history of the nfl, all over priced veterans should have been cut. Will Smith, Vilma and Harper , etc.should be cut or traded.